WASHINGTON—Washington residents who struggle with type 2 diabetes can attend a workshop with Neal Barnard, M.D., on March 25 to learn how to avoid complications from the disease and reduce or eliminate the need for medications. Food for Life instructor Kara Blank-Gonzales will guide a follow-up series starting Tuesday, April 1. There is no cost to attend.

WHO: Diabetes researcher Neal D. Barnard, M.D., is president of the nonprofit Physicians Committee and an adjunct professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

WHAT: Dr. Barnard’s free seminar will show participants how to use a plant-based (low-fat vegan) diet to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes. People who have or are at risk for type 2 diabetes will benefit from the seminar. Family members, health care providers, and friends are welcome and encouraged to join.

Note: Food for Life instructor Kara Blank-Gonzalez will guide follow-up classes on Tuesday evenings to teach participants about low-fat cooking techniques, the best foods to steady blood sugar, and how to effectively read food labels.

WHY: Close to 10 percent of Washington residents struggle with type 2 diabetes. If diabetes means endless medications, doctor visits, and unstable blood sugars, it’s time to turn it around. Dr. Barnard will showcase the best foods to help you lose weight, stabilize blood sugar, improve cholesterol, and reduce the need for daily pills and insulin shots.

For an interview with Dr. Barnard or to attend the series, journalists may contact Jessica Frost at 202-527-7342 or jfrost@pcrm.org. View Dr. Barnard’s published studies and watch sample diabetes lectures at NealBarnard.org.

FOR MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA:

Neal Barnard, M.D., is president of the Physicians Committee and an adjunct professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr. Barnard is the author of groundbreaking NIH-funded research that shows a low-fat vegan diet dramatically stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol, boosts metabolism, and improves kidney function. He is a regular speaker at college campuses, TEDx Talks, the author of 15 books on diet and health, and stars in three PBS specials, including Dr. Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes.

Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.